The 11-Year Conception

Much like the conception of people, the birth of plays can begin in unexpected ways. Playwright and actress Kim Ehly first knew she was on to something back in 2001, when she was assigned to write a two-page monologue for a Strasberg scene study class in New York City and...

By John Thomason

July 12, 2012

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Much like the conception of people, the birth of plays can begin in unexpected ways. Playwright and actress Kim Ehly first knew she was on to something back in 2001, when she was assigned to write a two-page monologue for a Strasberg scene study class in New York City and ended up penning 17 pages of text, inspired by personal experiences, that would eventually coalesce into this weekend’s world premiere of Baby Girl at Empire Stage. Initially written as a screenplay, then retooled as a stage play and read with success at two South Florida theaters, Baby Girl is based in part on Ehly's experience of coming out as a lesbian to her conservative adoptive parents, then journeying to find her birth mother. "I describe it as a heightened reality from my perspective," Ehly says. "If you ask my birth mother, her story would be very different than mine. It plays a lot with fantasy." A comedy with poignant moments, Baby Girl is bolstered by an exceptional ensemble of local talent, and it runs through August 5. Empire Stage is located at 1140 N. Flagler Drive in Fort Lauderdale. Tickets cost $25. Call 954-678-1496, or visit empirestage.com.
Fridays, 8 p.m.; Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 5 p.m. Starts: July 13. Continues through Aug. 5, 2012

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